Bethlehem-Center Elementary School

Years of reviews that have not changed anything. This school is a mess and I have begged congressmen to step in and help. Our children are not a consideration, it comes down to the PSSA tests and money. There is 'no child left behind' because they are not offering the help the struggling students need. Between a failing principal and teachers just there for a paycheck, our children are not learning and us parents are being forced to pay for other schooling to get them an education.
--Submitted by a parent

I agree entirely with the other reviews. My child is in the third grade and I feel as though everything revolves around the PSSA testing. They are teaching for the test, that does not have a bearing on the child's grade. Not to mention, all the pressure being put on the kids to score well to make the teachers look good. They parade them around the school saying, 'P-S-S-A We must get an 'A'! ' I just don't understand how they can justify it. The school district has spent so much of the taxpayers money on PSSA Test Prep. I don't believe it is a true assessment of how they are educating the children, if they are teaching for the test.
--Submitted by a parent

I agree with comments made from years past, the principal talks to you like you are beneath them and the teachers think they know everything! When students struggle in this district it's all the parents fault not their teacher who takes no responsibility. Rural and poor is no excuse for ignorance and poor classroon management and teaching skills. Excuses are rampant at this school but should be replaced with student self esteem and respect from the principal. Without our children the principal and teachers would not have jobs!
--Submitted by a parent

Poor quality of academic programs. Rural school in economically disadvantaged area with minimal diversity. Many teachers attended the school as students. The bubble effect is small, and many teachers who were poor students are facilitating current students. Extracurricular activities are average. Parental involvement is average to below average.
--Submitted by a parent

The elementary school has a number of teachers and staff, that feel they no more about your child than you do. Once your child is marked he/she remains marked. They overeducate and make learning difficult and some of them, make it boring. They use the no child left behind act as an excuse to run an overly controlled environment, these are children, not soldiers.
--Submitted by a parent